I'll readily admit that I immediately subscribed to Pathfinder as a lifeline on the announcement that WotC was killing my beloved magazines. But as time goes on, I'm beginning to wonder if I should go with GameMastery instead.
You see, much as I loved Dungeon magazine, particularly on Paizo's watch, the adventure paths were actually something I was -not- real keen on. As an occasional special, yes, they were good, but by the end of Age of Worms they had overrun the magazine, severely limiting its utility for anybody NOT running an adventure path.
Thus it was with mixed feelings that I subscribed to Pathfinder -- happy to be getting SOME kind of print periodical with adventures in it, but wishing it was simply an anthology of random smaller adventures every month rather than big, serial blocks.
On the other hand, looking over the upcoming Gamemastery modules line, I'm seeing a lot of stuff I like. The urban adventures particularly are catching my interest as I get ready to begin a new "Lankhmaresque" campaign of warriors and rogues in a city corrupt to its core.
My gaming dollar is limited, as is my shelf space. So I'm wondering now, should I cancel the Pathfinder subscription and switch it to Gamemastery?
Opinions welcome!
-The Gneech
I hear what you're saying, but I still think Pathfinder is the way to go. (Although I still plan to pick up most, if not all, of the Gamemastery Modules at my FLGS).
I agree with you about the footprint left in Dungeon by the APs over the past few years, and I definitely felt it as well. I also tended to prefer the random modules, but I also read it for the little extras like the maps of mystery, the DM advice, the critical threats, and various other goodies. I think the Gamemastery Modules are awesome, but, they are just adventures (admittedly, with the needed support info, such as town and new monster info) and at one a month, if I had to choose, I would choose Pathfinder, because it is going to have more than just the adventures. It will have a variety of things and ideas that I look forward to reading and that I see as a replacement for those parts of Dungeon and Dragon with alternate rules, backdrop, etc.
And, with each AP being only six volumes of Pathfinder, I think it will be easier to stay interested in the plot for each AP and I think it won't seem so daunting to digest.
Also, you mentioned that you wanted something "Lankmar-esque", well, I believe the second AP (Curse of the Crimson Throne?) just might be what you are looking for. It starts in a big city and looks to promise intrigue and roleplaying and various urban shenanigans.
Just my two copper.
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I'm not sure exactly how stressed your financial situation is, but consider this:
With Pathfinder, you're not only getting a high-quality adventure path but also getting new OGL monsters, information on the new Golarian setting, and several pages of details for adding certain elements (like running a castle) to existing or future campaigns.
With GameMastery Modules, you're getting just that: Modules. Sometimes, there's a new monster or two in there but the bulk of the material is a single adventure, easily portable to whatever setting or campaign you want to drop it into.
The best option, IMO, is to keep your Pathfinder subscription and keep an eye on the GameMastery modules as they're released. If you really want an urban adventure (like Gallery of Evil), snag it! If things like W1 or D2 don't interest you, skip 'em. Buy only the modules you think you'll use. This way, you save some cash and get all the lovely Pathfinder material to boot!
Of course, again, I don't know how tight your budget is, but if you've got at least a little flex room, this seems like the logical choice to me.
With GameMastery Modules, you're getting just that: Modules. Sometimes, there's a new monster or two in there but the bulk of the material is a single adventure, easily portable to whatever setting or campaign you want to drop it into.
I don't have time for a long discussion (I'm at GenCon and dropping from fatigue) but I do want to clarify something real quick.
There will always be at least one, and usually 2 or 3 new monsters in each module.
There will often be new setting material in the modules as well. U1, for example, has a fairly expansive section detailing a portion of Absolom.
I would definitely go with Pathfinder if I had to only pick one.
HOWEVER: God, I would try my hardest to get both, as they are both excellent products.
Yes.
Thanks for the input, all. :) For those who are curious, I think the answer for now is "Stick with Pathfinder and evaluate Gamemastery on a case-by-case basis."
At least until there's a single "Periodical Adventure Anthology" product that combines the two...
-The Gneech